SKIPPER Dean Whitehead says the Sunderland players were shocked at Ricky Sbragia’s decision to step down within minutes of securing the Black Cats' Premier League place.

Sunderland lost 3-2 at home to Chelsea but defeats for Newcastle and Middlesbrough meant the Wearsiders were safe.

Sbragia – who signed an 18-month contract as manager in December after a spell as caretaker boss following Roy Keane’s walkout – had already discussed his decision with chairman Niall Quinn on the eve of the game, and Quinn broke the news to the players in the dressing room.

“The chairman sat us down after we all came off the pitch after the game and said the manager would not be accepting the offer of a contract for next season,” said Whitehead.

“We have to thank Ricky for what he has done. He stood up to be counted when the club needed him and that took a lot of guts and belief.

“He helped us get the results that have now given the club a chance to push on again next season.

“It is said that the second season after promotion to the Premier League can be hard, and it has been for us.

“This place deserves better and those fans deserve better than us just staying up on the last day of the season.

“But Ricky and Neil Bailey have done an excellent job and hopefully they will be at the club for many years.”

Sbragia has been told he has a job for life at Sunderland, with a role in charge of player recruitment likely next season.

Centre-back Anton Ferdinand added: “Ricky can leave the job with his head high and the positive thing is he will be staying with the club in some capacity.

“He took on a very difficult job [in December]. We were in a bad position, the mood in the squad was low, but he helped us get results that have kept us up and I hope he gets the credit he deserves for that.”